Getting setup to take payments for your new eCommerce project should be easy. Depending on the type of business you plan to run, you can run in to problems when it comes to processing credit cards.

What is a Merchant Account?

A merchant account is basically a special bank account for holding payments from credit card and debit card transactions. Once a customer makes a payment with their credit card , the funds enter the merchant account ready for transfer to a normal business bank account, usually once per day or once per week depending on transaction volume.

When processing credit cards online , you either need to setup a merchant account with a bank, or you can use an aggregator like Paypal which processes all transaction through their own merchant account on behalf of you.

Setting up a merchant account requires an application and becomes a legal agreement between you and the bank. Not all applications are approved, because the bank could essentially lose money if there was a chargeback and this is where it can become tricky.

Is your business considered high risk?

Although you may not think of your business as high risk, traditional banks may see it this way in regard to processing credit cards online.

This can be for a number of reasons

Customers are doing transactions without being present to sign

You have a high volume of transactions (Over $20,000 a month)

You sell internationally and in foreign currencies

You have had a merchant account closed from another provider in the past

You have a history of refunds or chargebacks

Your industry is considered high risk

Industry type can be a big one. If you operate in any of these industry types below, you will need a company that specializes in high risk merchant accounts. They match you with a particular provider that is used to dealing with that industry but will usually charge higher transaction fees to cover the risk.

Adult and Dating

MLM Multilevel marketing

Online Alcohol Sales

Online Firearm Sales

Telemarketing

Travel & Vacation

Conclusion

There is nothing worse than when sales are going well, business is booming and then your account is put on hold and your funds are frozen. There have been instances with Paypal where funds are simply frozen for months on end without the business being able to withdraw any of their money. If you your merchant account is terminated, you are at risk of being put on the MATCH list, which is like a banned account list that is shared with all the other merchant providers.
It is best to get the correct merchant account for you business type to begin with. Neglecting this can cause a lot of headaches and financial loss further down the track.

November 18th, 2014 in
Ecommerce |
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Are you ready to take the next step in enterprise mobility? Mobile data virtualization allows developers to use a normalized syntax to invoke items from a common data catalog. This removes source system knowledge from mobile data access needs. This unique approach has been developed by KidoZen, a 3 year-old company that wants to democratize enterprise mobility by providing a fast, more affordable and secure way to deploy enterprise mobile apps. The data catalog associates all the data consumed by enterprise applications and makes it available for common use through a consistent API. If changes to the data source structure occur, only the catalog needs to be updated, not the individual apps. The result is a more manageable and distributed development process.

October 18th, 2014 in
Mac Technology |
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Toshiba computers are known for their solid build, but like any other gadget, they give in to wear and tear over time. It can be a challenge for laptop owners when this happens, especially when a part needs to be replaced. Toshiba computer repair parts are not sold directly to end users; rather, most manufacturers work with distributors, who then sell them to service companies.

If you need a part replaced, it’s best to have it looked at by a professional repair service, especially if you do not know your way that well around computers. Sometimes the part does not even need replacing; it may just need to be tweaked to get it back in order. If you do need a replacement, a professional can help you make sure you get the right one—and with new makes and models coming out every year, ensuring compatibility can be quite complicated.

Another thing to consider is whether your computer is still under warranty, and what this warranty covers. Sometimes the cost of part itself may be covered, but you have to pay for the labor, or vice versa. This depends largely on where you got your computer. Toshiba’s standard warranties last from three months to five years, and the parts covered may differ from one customer to another. The nature of the repair may also be taken into account. Before shelling out money for repairs and replacement, dig up your warranty documents and see what you can get back. Toshiba keeps all of its warranty documents on its website, including older versions.

If you’re comfortable enough to find replacement parts on your own, the internet is a good place to start. Several companies sell computer parts online for a wide range of brands, and it’s by far the best way to get a good selection. Toshiba parts are normally assigned part numbers, so it’s helpful to know this when you do your search. Modem and ethernet cables, circuit boards, and drives are usually quite easy to find. Batteries, chargers, and adapters may be in separate categories. Click here to view some of the most commonly purchased parts for Toshiba computers.

It’s always a good idea to shop around and make sure you’re getting a good deal. Prices can very widely from one seller to another, and the same goes for quality. You may have to pay more for an authorized reseller, but you can be sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Comparing at least three different sources can give you a good idea of what prices to expect, as well as leverage for negotiating with certain sellers.

September 18th, 2014 in
laptops |
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Laptop repair has become much easier since more efficient computers and easy-to-find parts have entered the market. But motherboard problems remain one of the most difficult issues. Because most of a computer’s vital functions are carried out on the motherboard, when it fails, the laptop loses much of its capacity.

Years ago, a failed laptop motherboard more or less meant that you had to get a new computer. But that’s no longer the case today. It’s much easier to find a motherboard for a laptop repair regardless of make or model, and installation is much less complex and risky. And because there’s a greater variety of laptops and hardware systems, compatibility is not an issue either. The same goes for any other internal component. Click here to view some of the most commonly replaced laptop parts and learn how you can find the right pieces.

If you’re not too tech-savvy, you will want to do some homework before buying a new motherboard. There are several types, brands, models, and feature sets to choose from, and it all depends on what computer you have and what kind of user you are. The first thing you want to look at is compatibility: what kind of processor you have (usually Intel or AMD), the type of memory you use, and the form factor (i.e. it has to fit your laptop).

Next, you’ll want to look at the features. This is where the personalization takes place. For example, you can opt for onboard video or get a separate video card. The latter is usually chosen by gamers and people in the visual arts (such as film and photography), as it gives them the freedom to choose a more powerful card and upgrade as they see fit. Gamers often put multiple video cards together to maximize quality, but this requires a different, often more expensive type of motherboard.

You can also choose between onboard or separate network cards. With an onboard network card (also called an NIC), you free up room for other expansion cards such as video and sound, or simply for better airflow to avoid overheating.

USB ports are another consideration. All motherboards have an onboard USB feature, but they differ in the number of ports. Here, it’s a matter of how many USB devices you want to plug in at the same time. Always plan for more ports than you need in case you get more external devices later on.

It may sound complicated, but it’s a lot simpler than the terms let on. If you’re not sure, you may want to get a professional opinion from the shop, or a more knowledgeable friend, to make sure you don’t end up with useless hardware.

March 8th, 2013 in
laptops |
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Dell laptops offer a good mix of aesthetics and performance, but as with any other laptop, the fun stops when they start to give in. Laptop repairs can be complicated and expensive, more so than for desktop computers. For some, the cost may even justify buying a new laptop instead. But this doesn’t have to be the case. A bit of research can help you find the best Dell laptop repair services for the best price.

One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is whether to go for the big names or a small local shop. There are pros and cons with each, and at the end of the day, it all boils down to where you feel most confident. The best way to do this is to get personal referrals. If many people have had good service in one place, chances are you’ll get the same quality. At the very least, it’ll help narrow down your options and weed out the ones you need to avoid.

Of course, every laptop owner has different needs, and this is where you need to go more in depth. Start by finding out how common your problem is among Dell laptop owners—you might find that many other people are in the same boat and even get advice on temporary fixes. Click here to view some of the most common issues with Dell laptops and what you can do about them.

If your problem is as simple as a malfunctioning keyboard or a few dead pixels, it probably won’t involve that much work. In this case, there’s no point paying a premium for someone to tinker with your hardware. However, if it’s software-related—for example, a virus or a corrupted drive—it may be worth paying for more experienced labor. That’s why it’s important to know what your problem is, or at least have a general idea of where it lies.

You may also want to see how familiar a shop is with the kind of problem you have. A well-established company may still be better at some kinds of repairs than others. One way to do this is to spend some time at the shop, browse around, and try to listen to customers coming in with problems. Often, this will tell you more than the ads do about the services they offer.

The bottom line is that Dell laptop repairs involve a bit of homework, at least if you want good service. It may take up some of your time, but it’s well worth the money you might save and the extra life it can give your computer. Think of it as protecting your investment—you spent a good deal on that machine, so it only makes sense to invest in keeping it running.

February 23rd, 2013 in
laptops |
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